DES MOINES, IA - Grand View University celebrated Senior Day in style this week, with the Vikings sweeping a four-game home series and putting on an offensive clinic in front of their home crowd.
The Vikings opened the series Monday with a dominant 12-3 victory. Tatum Nuss led the charge, driving in three runs, while Patrick Bergkamp and Parker Bulthuis each collected two hits. Devin Doyle was sharp on the mound, striking out nine over six innings to earn the win. Grand View showed patience all afternoon, drawing nine walks and swiping four bases.
Game two was a grinder, a 12-inning nail-biter that Grand View finally ended on a walk-off single by Ben Sandvig to secure the 2-1 win. Starter Josh Stoll was exceptional, surrendering just one run over 8? innings and striking out 10, while closer Kye Kruse slammed the door with six strikeouts over the final three frames.
Tuesday brought fireworks. The Vikings exploded for 18 runs in their third contest, capped by a 14-run sixth inning. Thomas Maathuis launched a grand slam to center field, Logan Strassburg homered, and Roderick Tanamor, Erik Lamb, and Bulthuis all had key hits in the outburst. Grand View finished with 16 hits on the afternoon.
The series finale was the most dramatic with a back-and-forth slugfest that Grand View ultimately won 11-10 on another walk-off, this time a Maathuis single in the ninth. Bergkamp was the standout of the day, going 3-for-4 with four RBI including a two-run homer. Pierce Anderson was untouchable in relief, retiring every batter he faced over three innings while striking out eight.
It was a Senior Day to remember for Grand View. The Vikings were relentless at the plate across all four games, combining for 43 runs, 17 stolen bases, and countless clutch moments, a fitting send-off for the seniors who helped build this program.
WHATS NEXT?
Grand View hits the road for the remainder of the regular season. The next games are Saturday and Sunday, April 18th and 19th against the William Penn Statesmen.
